Foldable protective jacket

ABSTRACT

A foldable protective jacket includes a base plate having an inner side for placing an electronic device, a plurality of side plates each pivoted around a side of the base plate to turn toward the inner side of the base plate, a first fastening member mounted on one side plate, and a second fastening member mounted on another side plate and detachably combined with the first fastening member. Thus, the expanded protective jacket functions as a multifunctional working platform that functions to support and operate the mouse, to store an article and to indicate the related function of the electronic device, thereby enhancing the versatility of the foldable protective jacket.

This application claims the benefit of Taiwan application Ser. No. 92127123, filed Sep. 30, 2003, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable protective jacket, and more particularly to a foldable protective jacket made of flexible material that is used to protect an electronic device, such as the notebook computer or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

A portable electronic device, such as the notebook computer has a smaller volume and has a light weight to facilitate the user carrying it. In addition, the notebook computer usually includes a bag for storing and carrying it, thereby facilitating the user carrying the notebook computer when not in use. However, after the notebook computer is taken out of the bag, the bag is left beside the notebook computer, so that the bag is easily missed or lost by the user unintentionally. In addition, the bag cannot be folded so that it occupies a larger space, thereby causing inconvenience in and increasing cost of storage, package and transportation thereof. Further, the bag is made by stitching and sewing, so that it is not manufactured easily and conveniently, thereby increasing costs of fabrication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket made of a single piece flexible material that is folded and expanded easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the foldable protective jacket.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket, wherein after the foldable protective jacket is expanded, the expanded protective jacket functions as a multifunctional working platform that functions to support and operate the mouse, to store the article and to indicate the related function and position of the electronic device, thereby enhancing the versatility of the foldable protective jacket.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket that can be folded to protect the electronic device after use, so that the foldable protective jacket will not be missed or lost.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket that is equipped with a plurality of protective blocks, a plurality of support posts and a foldable cushion to provide a fixing and heatsink effect.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket, wherein the electronic device is lifted by rolling up the foldable cushion, so that the electronic device is disposed at an inclined state, thereby facilitating the user operating the electronic device.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket made of a single piece that is manufactured easily and conveniently, without needing stitching and sewing, thereby decreasing costs of fabrication.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable protective jacket that occupies a smaller space, thereby facilitating storage, package and transportation of the foldable protective jacket.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is equipped a foldable protective jacket made of flexible material, comprising:

-   -   a base plate having an inner side for placing an electronic         device, and a plurality of edges around the base plate;     -   a plurality of side plates, each having an inner side and each         of the plurality of side plates is pivoted around one of the         plurality of edges of the base plate to turn toward the inner         side of the base plate;     -   at least one first fastening member mounted on one of the side         plates; and     -   at least one second fastening member mounted on another one of         the side plates, the second fastening member being combined with         and detached from the first fastening member.

Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable protective jacket in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3 is a side plan operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a foldable protective jacket in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a foldable protective jacket in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6A is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a foldable protective jacket in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic operational view of the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-3, a foldable protective jacket made of flexible material in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to protect an electronic device “A”, such as a notebook computer or the like, and comprises a plurality of folding lines 10 defining a base plate 1 and a plurality of side plates 2.

The base plate 1 has an inner side 11 for placing the electronic device “A” and a plurality of edges around the base plate.

Each of the side plates 2 is pivoted around one of the plurality of edges 10 to turn toward the inner side 11 of the base plate 1. The foldable protective jacket further comprises two first fastening members 21 mounted on two adjacent side plates 2, and two second fastening members 22 mounted on other two adjacent side plates 2. Each of the two first fastening members 21 is combined with and detached from a respective one of the two second fastening members 22. Preferably, each of the two first fastening members 21 is a male bonding strap, and each of the two second fastening members 22 is a female bonding strap.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, each of the side plates 2 is in turn pivoted around one of the plurality of edges 10 to turn toward the inner side 11 of the base plate 1, and the side plates 2 are combined with each other by the first fastening members 21 and the second fastening members 22, thereby forming the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 2C, so that the electronic device “A” is entirely covered by the base plate 1 and the side plates 2 so as to protect the electronic device “A”.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the foldable protective jacket comprises four side plates 2, wherein the inner side 20 of a first one of the four side plates 2 is equipped with a wrist support block 23, so that when the electronic device “A” is externally connected to a mouse (not shown), the wrist support block 23 is used to support the user's wrist, thereby facilitating the user operating the mouse on the inner side 20 of the first side plate 2. Thus, the first side plate 2 functions as a mouse pad. In addition, the inner side 20 of a second one of the four side plates 2 is equipped with at least one indication symbol 24 to indicate the related function and position of the electronic device “A”. For example, the indication symbol 24 represents the symbol of the USB, PS/2 or the like. In addition, the inner side 20 of a third one of the four side plates 2 is equipped with a pocket 25 to store an article, such as the magnetic disk, CD, pen or the like.

Again referring to FIG. 1, the inner side 11 of the base plate 1 is equipped with a plurality of L-shaped protective blocks 12 forming a placing zone 13 (see FIG. 3) for placing the electronic device “A”. The placing zone 13 has an area greater than that of the electronic device “A”. The protective blocks 12 are rested on the corners or sides of the electronic device “A”, so that the electronic device “A” is placed in the placing zone 13 rigidly and stably without vibration. In addition, the inner side 11 of the base plate 1 is equipped with a plurality of support posts 14 located on the bottom of the electronic device “A” for raising the electronic device “A” so as to enhance the heatsink effect.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner side 11 of the base plate 1 is equipped with at least one foldable cushion 15 formed by a cutting curve 150 in the inner side of the base plate 1. The fordable cushion 15 is connected flexibly to the base plate 1. Preferably, the cutting curve 150 is substantially U-shaped or arc-shaped. In addition, the starting portion and ending portion of the cutting curve 150 are spaced from each other with a determined distance. Thus, the electronic device “A” is lifted by rolling up the fordable cushion 15, so that the electronic device “A” is disposed at an inclined state, thereby achieving the heatsink effect, and thereby facilitating the user operating the electronic device “A”. In addition, the foldable cushion 15 is fixed on the inner side 11 of the base plate 1 by a fixing member 151.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the base plate 1 has a rectangular shape, and each of the side plates 2 has a rectangular shape.

Referring to FIG. 4, a foldable protective jacket made of flexible material in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein each of the side plates 2 a has a non-rectangular shape, and each of the first fastening members 21 a, the second fastening members 22 a and the wrist support block 23 a has a shape mating with that of each of the side plates 2 a.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a foldable protective jacket made of flexible material in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of folding lines 10 b defining a base plate 1 b, a plurality of side plates 2 b, and a plurality of connecting plates 3.

The base plate 1 b has an inner side 11 b for placing the electronic device “A” and a plurality of edges 10 b around the base plate 1 b.

Each of the side plates 2 b is pivoted around one of the plurality of edges 10 b to turn toward the inner side 11 b of the base plate 1 b. The foldable protective jacket further comprises two first fastening members 21 b mounted on two adjacent side plates 2 b, and two second fastening members 22 b mounted on other two adjacent side plates 2 b. Each of the two first fastening members 21 b is combined with and detached from a respective one of the two second fastening members 22 b. Preferably, each of the two first fastening members 21 b is a male bonding strap, and each of the two second fastening members 22 b is a female bonding strap.

Each of the connecting plates 3 is connected between two adjacent side plates 2 b.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A, the side plates 2 b are in turn pivoted around one of the plurality of edges 10 b to turn toward the inner side 11 b of the base plate 1 b, and the side plates 2 b are combined with each other by the first fastening members 21 b and the second fastening members 22 b, thereby forming the foldable protective jacket as shown in FIG. 6A, so that the electronic device “A” is entirely covered by the base plate 1 b, the side plates 2 b and the connecting plates 3 so as to protect the electronic device “A”.

Again referring to FIG. 5, the foldable protective jacket comprises four side plates 2 b, wherein the inner side 20 b of a first one of the side plates 2 b is equipped with a wrist support block 23 b, so that when the electronic device “A” is externally connected to a mouse (not shown), the wrist support block 23 b is used to support the user's wrist, thereby facilitating the user operating the mouse on the inner side 20 b of the first side plate 2 b. Thus, the first side plate 2 b functions as a mouse pad. In addition, the inner side 20 b of a second one of the side plates 2 b is equipped with at least one indication symbol 24 b to indicate the related function and position of the electronic device “A”. For example, the indication symbol 24 b represents the symbol of the USB, PS/2 or the like. In addition, the inner side 20 b of a third one of the side plates 2 b is equipped with a pocket 25 b to store an article, such as the magnetic disk, CD, pen or the like.

Again referring to FIG. 5, the inner side 11 b of the base plate 1 b is equipped with a plurality of L-shaped protective blocks 12 b for placing the electronic device “A”. The protective blocks 12 b are located in the corners or sides of the electronic device “A”. In addition, the inner side 11 b of the base plate 1 b is equipped with a plurality of support posts 14 b located on the bottom of the electronic device “A” for raising the electronic device “A” so as to enhance the heatsink effect. In addition, the inner side 11 b of the base plate 1 b is equipped with at least one foldable cushion 15 b formed by a cutting curve 150 b. Preferably, the cutting curve 150 b is substantially U-shaped or arc-shaped. Thus, the electronic device “A” is lifted by rolling up the foldable cushion 15 b, so that the electronic device “A” is disposed at an inclined state, thereby achieving the heatsink effect, and thereby facilitating the user operating the electronic device “A”.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a foldable protective jacket made of flexible material in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base plate 1 c, a side plate 2 c, and a fastening device 4.

The base plate 1 c has an inner side 11 c for placing the electronic device “A” and plurality of edges around the base plate.

The side plate 2 c is connected to a side 10 c of the base plate 1 c, so that the side plate 2 c is pivoted about the side 10 c of the base plate 1 c to turn toward the inner side 11 c of the base plate 1 c.

The fastening device 4 includes a first fastening member 40 mounted on a periphery of the base plate 1 c, and a second fastening member 41 mounted on a periphery of the side plate 2 c. Thus, the first fastening member 40 is combined with and detached from the second fastening member 41. Preferably, the first fastening member 40 is a male bonding strap, and the second fastening member 41 is a female bonding strap.

Referring to FIG. 8, the side plate 2 c is pivoted about the side 10 c of the base plate 1 c to turn toward the inner side 11 c of the base plate 1 c, and the side plate 2 c is combined with the base plate 1 c the first fastening member 40 and the second fastening member 41, thereby forming the foldable protective jacket, so that the electronic device “A” is entirely covered by the base plate 1 c and the side plate 2 c so as to protect the electronic device “A”.

Again referring to FIG. 7, the inner side 20 c of the side plate 2 c is equipped with a wrist support block 23 c, so that when the electronic device “A” is externally connected to a mouse (not shown), the wrist support block 23 c is used to support the user's wrist, thereby facilitating the user operating the mouse on the inner side 20 c of the side plate 2 c. Thus, the side plate 2 c functions as a mouse pad.

Again referring to FIG. 7, the inner side 11 c of the base plate 1 c is equipped with a plurality of L-shaped protective blocks 12 c for placing the electronic device “A”. The protective blocks 12 c are located in the corners or sides of the electronic device “A”. In addition, the inner side 11 c of the base plate 1 c is equipped with a plurality of support posts 14 c located on the bottom of the electronic device “A” for raising the electronic device “A” so as to enhance the heatsink effect. In addition, the inner side 11 c of the base plate 1 c is equipped with at least one foldable cushion 15 c formed by a cutting curve 150 c. Preferably, the cutting curve 150 c is substantially U-shaped or arc-shaped. Thus, the electronic device “A” is lifted by rolling up the foldable cushion 15 c, so that the electronic device “A” is disposed at an inclined state, thereby achieving the heatsink effect, and thereby facilitating the user operating the electronic device “A”.

Accordingly, the foldable protective jacket in accordance with the present invention has the following advantages.

-   -   1. The foldable protective jacket is made of a single piece that         is folded and expanded easily and conveniently, thereby         facilitating the user operating the foldable protective jacket.     -   2. After the foldable protective jacket is expanded, the         expanded protective jacket functions as a multifunctional         working platform that functions to support and operate the         mouse, to store the article and to indicate the related function         and position of the electronic device “A”, thereby enhancing the         versatility of the foldable protective jacket.     -   3. The foldable protective jacket can be folded to protect the         electronic device “A” after use, so that the foldable protective         jacket will not be missed or lost.     -   4. The foldable protective jacket is equipped with a plurality         of protective blocks, a plurality of support posts and a         foldable cushion to provide a fixing and heatsink effect.     -   5. The electronic device “A” is lifted by rolling up the         foldable cushion, so that the electronic device “A” is disposed         at an inclined state, thereby facilitating the user operating         the electronic device “A”.     -   6. The foldable protective jacket is made of a single piece that         is manufactured easily and conveniently, without needing         stitching and sewing, thereby decreasing costs of fabrication.     -   7. The foldable protective jacket occupies a smaller space,         thereby facilitating storage, package and transportation of the         foldable protective jacket.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention. 

1. A foldable protective jacket made of flexible material, comprising: a base plate having an inner side for placing an electronic device, and a plurality of edges around the base plate; a plurality of side plates, each having an inner side and each pivoted around one of the edges of the base plate to turn toward the inner side of the base plate; at least one first fastening member mounted on one of the side plates; and at least one second fastening member mounted on another one of the side plates, and the second fastening member combined with and detached from the first fastening member.
 2. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner side of one of the side plates is equipped with a wrist support block.
 3. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner side of one of the side plates is equipped with at least one indication symbol to indicate the related function and position of the electronic device.
 4. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner side of one of the side plates is equipped with at least one pocket.
 5. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner side of the base plate is equipped with a plurality of protective blocks forming a placing zone to place the electronic device.
 6. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 5, wherein the protective blocks are located in the corners of the electronic device.
 7. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner side of the base plate is equipped with a plurality of support posts located on the bottom of the electronic device.
 8. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base plate is equipped with a foldable cushion formed by a cutting curve in the inner side of the base plate, the foldable cushion is connected flexibly to the base plate, and the electronic device is lifted by rolling up the foldable cushion.
 9. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 8, wherein the cutting curve is substantially U-shaped curve.
 10. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connecting plates each connected between two adjacent side plates.
 11. A foldable protective jacket made of flexible material, comprising: a base plate having an inner side for placing an electronic device, and a plurality of edges around the base plate; a side plate having an inner side and connected to a side of the base plate, so that the side plate is pivoted around the side of the base plate to turn toward the inner side of the base plate; and a fastening device including a first fastening member mounted on a periphery of the base plate, and a second fastening member mounted on a periphery of the side plate and combined with and detached from the first fastening member.
 12. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inner side of the side plate is equipped with a wrist support block.
 13. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inner side of the side plate is equipped with at least one indication symbol to indicate the related function and position of the electronic device.
 14. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inner side of the side plate is equipped with at least one pocket.
 15. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inner side of the base plate is equipped with a plurality of protective blocks forming a placing zone to place the electronic device.
 16. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 15, wherein the protective blocks are located in the corners of the electronic device.
 17. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inner side of the base plate is equipped with a plurality of support posts located on the bottom of the electronic device.
 18. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 11, wherein the inner side of the base plate is equipped with a foldable cushion formed by a cutting curve in the inner side of the base plate, the foldable cushion is connected flexibly to the base plate, and the electronic device is lifted by rolling up the foldable cushion.
 19. The foldable protective jacket in accordance with claim 18, wherein the cutting curve is substantially U-shaped curve. 